Leicester Riders are delighted to confirm that Mercy Ademusayo, Louisa Gibbins, Alex Baker, Alex Shaw, Hannah Gray and Caitlyn Ryan will all return to the club ahead of the 2026/27 Super League Basketball season.
The returning group will join British star Katie Januszewska on the confirmed roster as Head Coach Nick Moodey continues to build the squad ahead of the new campaign.
Ademusayo Set for Second Season
Mercy Ademusayo will return for her second season in Leicester following a promising rookie campaign.
The forward joined the Riders last season after graduating from Northwestern University, making the transition into professional basketball with an encouraging first year. Ademusayo will now look to build on that experience and take another step forward in her development during the 2026/27 campaign.
Gibbins Returns for Year Two
Rising British talent Louisa Gibbins is also back for a second season with the Riders.
The 6’1” forward enjoyed a promising first season after making the step up to professional basketball and will look to take on an increased role with the team this year.
One of the league’s brightest young British talents, Gibbins enters the new campaign with valuable experience gained over the summer, representing England and Great Britain in 3×3 competition.
Baker Back After Injury
Charnwood Riders Academy graduate Alex Baker will return for her second professional season in Leicester.
Baker joined the Riders last season following her college career in the United States, but saw her rookie campaign disrupted after missing the majority of the season through injury.
The British forward is now focused on returning to full fitness and making an immediate impact in the new campaign, with everyone at the club looking forward to seeing her back on court in a Riders jersey.
Shaw Enters Fourth Season
Another product of the Charnwood Riders Academy, British forward Alex Shaw returns for her fourth season with the Leicester Riders in Super League Basketball.
Having previously featured with the professional team while progressing through the Charnwood programme, Shaw has established herself as part of the first-team setup while continuing her studies with Riders partners at Loughborough University.
Gray Ready for Second Season
Young British guard Hannah Gray will also return for her second season with the Riders.
Gray made the jump into professional basketball last season after a standout junior career with Ipswich, where she was named WEABL Finals MVP.
After making a positive start to her rookie season, Gray was hampered by injury during the latter stages of the campaign. She will now look to return to her best and make a further impact in her second year as a professional.
Ryan Ready for The Pros
Loughborough Riders prospect Caitlyn Ryan is set to make the jump to become a permanent member of our first team squad.
Ryan joined the Riders last season after graduating from the Oaklands Wolves WEABL programme and quickly impressed during her time with the Loughborough Riders in WNBL Division 1. It was these top performances that saw Ryan suit up for our pro team on multiple occasions last season, laying the foundations for a more permanent role in the new campaign.
Moodey Welcomes Returning Core
Head Coach Nick Moodey is pleased to have a strong group of returning players as the Riders prepare for the new season.
“Having a core group of returning players is incredibly beneficial and allows us to build consistency and continue to develop year on year.
“I’m excited to work with them all again this season, knowing each of them brings important contributions to the team, both on and off the court.”
Ademusayo, Gibbins, Baker, Shaw, Gray and Ryan join Katie Januszewska on the confirmed Leicester Riders roster ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Further roster announcements and updates will be made through the Leicester Riders Women social media channels as preparations for the new campaign continue.
